"Give these people an opportunity" - Carlton Palmer issues statement on John Eustace's Derby County switch | OneFootball

John Eustace brings trusted backroom staff to Pride Park - is Championship safety on the cards for Derby County? Carlton Palmer reacts.

John Eustace has been appointed as Derby County's new manager, bringing with him his trusted backroom team of Matt Gardiner as assistant head coach and Keith Downing as first-team coach.

The trio’s combined experience has sparked excitement among Rams fans, with pundit Carlton Palmer describing their arrival as a “big boost” for the club’s survival hopes.

Eustace’s decision to leave Blackburn Rovers - despite their strong position in the play-off race - has raised eyebrows across the football community. Palmer believes this bold move indicates the potential he sees at Derby.

Eustace, known for his tactical acumen, will now look to galvanize his new squad and push for safety from relegation.

Palmer, who played alongside Eustace, praised the new boss’s character and decision-making, suggesting there are deeper reasons behind his departure from Blackburn.

According to Palmer, Eustace’s connections to the Midlands and his partnership with Gardiner and Downing could be key to success at Pride Park.

Carlton Palmer’s insights on Eustace and his team

Offering his perspective on the new appointments, Palmer said: “John Eustace has now become the Derby County manager, and with him, he’s taken his two trusted lieutenants - Matt Gardiner as assistant head coach and Keith Downing as first-team coach. Both of them have a wealth of experience. I know Keith Downing really well; he’s a top bloke. John Eustace is a stand-up guy - I’ve played with him, and he’s taken a lot of unnecessary flack for leaving Blackburn Rovers.”

Eustace’s move to Derby has surprised some, given Blackburn’s promising position in the Championship. However, Palmer suggested that a closer look at the circumstances reveals a calculated decision.

“But read between the lines - why has he left Blackburn Rovers to join Derby County when he’s in a play-off position? It’s a big boost for Derby County, and it’s a big boost for John Eustace. They’ve got to get to work pretty quickly, but there’s plenty of time and points to play for. He’s a very tactically good manager, and it must be that there is enough there.”

Palmer emphasised that Eustace’s discussions with Derby’s chairman were likely crucial in convincing him to take on the new challenge. The local ownership and long-term vision for the club appear to have aligned with Eustace’s ambitions.

“Obviously, he’s sat down with the chairman, who’s bought the club because he wants to run it the right way. He’s looking for other investments, and obviously, the conversation has been had with John Eustace so that it doesn’t happen to him what happened at Birmingham. This is a great opportunity for him.”

The new coaching team has deep roots in the Midlands, with Gardiner, Downing, and Eustace all hailing from the region. Palmer believes this shared connection will help them build a strong identity at Pride Park.

“Both Midlanders, Matt Gardiner and Keith Downing, all born in the Midlands - it’s great news for him and a great team they’ve got behind them, full of experience.”

Despite Eustace still being relatively new to management, Palmer argued that his backroom team’s wealth of knowledge makes up for it. He called on Derby fans to back the new regime as they look to stabilise the team and push for promotion.

“I know John Eustace wouldn’t say he’s got a wealth of experience as a manager - he’s new - but give these people an opportunity.”

A new chapter for Derby County

Palmer also expressed sympathy for outgoing manager Paul Warne, highlighting the financial constraints he faced in the Championship. Palmer stressed that Warne deserved more credit for his work but acknowledged the board’s decision to back Eustace.

“As I said, I’m sad to see Paul Warne go, but this is where Derby staying up this season might be seen as a good decision. I think Derby would have stayed up under Paul Warne, and he deserved the chance to see this season out.”

With Eustace now at the helm, Derby are looking to capitalise on the experience and tactical knowledge within the new coaching team.

The decision to bring in Gardiner and Downing suggests a strategic approach, aiming to blend fresh ideas with established know-how.

Palmer concluded by wishing Eustace and his staff well, reinforcing his belief that the future looks bright for Derby County: “But it’s good news for Derby County, and I’m wishing John Eustace and his staff all the very, very best.”

As Derby embark on this new chapter, fans will be hoping that Eustace’s arrival marks the start of a successful era at Pride Park.